Daniel Webster

Daniel Webster is a Republican politician and businessman serving as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 11th congressional district. Born in Charleston, West Virginia, on April 27, 1949, he moved to Florida as a child. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1971. Following his education, he began working in his family's air conditioning and heating business, a company he now owns and operates. Webster's long career in public service began with his election to the Florida House of Representatives in 1980, where he served until 1998, notably becoming the first Republican Speaker of the House since the Reconstruction era in 1996. He later served in the Florida Senate from 1998 to 2008, holding the position of Majority Leader from 2006 to 2008. Webster was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010 and took office on January 3, 2011. Initially representing the 8th district, he later represented the 10th and eventually the 11th district following various redistricting cycles. During his tenure in Congress, he has served on committees such as Transportation and Infrastructure, Natural Resources, and Science, Space, and Technology. In 2024, he announced that he would not seek re-election to the House in 2026, signaling the conclusion of over four decades in Florida and federal legislative politics.

Daniel Webster has consistently maintained a conservative voting record and platform. On economic issues, he is a proponent of fiscal restraint and tax reduction, notably supporting the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. He advocates for reduced government regulation to stimulate business growth. Regarding healthcare, Webster has been a vocal critic of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), frequently voting for its repeal while stating a preference for market-based alternatives that maintain coverage for those with pre-existing conditions. On social issues, Webster holds traditional conservative views, opposing abortion rights and LGBTQ+ rights legislation. In the realm of immigration, he typically supports stricter enforcement and has voted against measures that would expand legal pathways or offer amnesties. His environmental positions are mixed; while he has supported some clean energy initiatives, he generally favors policies that promote domestic fossil fuel production and infrastructure. Additionally, Webster is a strong supporter of increased defense spending and has advocated for enhanced veterans' services and benefits throughout his career.